Late Innings

I love writing about the Red Sox, especially in the disappointing tone. I can understand the problems that they’re having now, especially since I’ve had to follow the Orioles for the past ten abysmal years. I know that ESPN is disappointed right now…

Any ways what’s exactly wrong with this team? They looked dead last night against the Rays. Tampa Bay finally solved Jon Lester, who threw fourteen innings without allowing an earned run against the Angels in the ALDS. The series hinges tonight on the performances of both Andy Sonnanstine and Tim Wakefield. Both pitchers are soft-tossers, however Sonnanstine’s velocity is much better than Wakefield’s on the whole. If Wakefield is off his game tonight, that could be one more coffin nail in the Red Sox’s season. Terry Francona probably has him on the shortest of leashes tonight.

In regards to the problems, the Red Sox have many more than what appears on the surface. Josh Beckett probably won’t be effective next time out, especially given his arm issues that’ll have to be addressed this off season. Lester will need to get back on track, and they’ll need another miracle from Diasuke Matsuzaka to keep their postseason hopes alive. They’re facing a hot and healthy Rays team now, and desperately need the starters to pitch well if they want to advance.

The reason why they need to pitch well is simple: the offense has been disappointing. Any hitter outside of Kevin Youkilis and Dustin Pedroia (both of whom should be given heavy AL MVP consideration) needs to step up his game. Even though the team scored eight runs on Saturday in their extra-inning loss, they’ve only mustered three in their other two games. As to why they’ve played this poorly… they have three rally-killing sink-holes in their lineup. Jacoby Ellsbury, David Ortiz and Jason Varitek have yet to find their first hit in the ALCS. If Boston wants to advance, these three need to hit. Period.

Big Papi needs to look here to rediscover his swing. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)